Farts call for training tips from Team America after being blown around on sunday

R+The weather was attrocious, the persistent rain, low temperature and gale force winds were almost bad enough to call the game off, unfortunately that didn't happen and the teams took the field to battle the elements as well as each other.

The game was very even, and considering the bad weather both teams playing a pass/trap game. Northern had most of the pressure, probably through a higher ratio of younger players and also having reserves.

Willy had to play a full game as Trapper umpired and didn't want to take off his warmer and somewhat dry jacket, beanie, trackies etc to brave the elements of the second half! Maybe Willy is a cold weather performer, or just likes a heavy track as he certainly played well.

In between readjusting the goals (due to being blown around by the wind, at half time one was blown over and only stopped by the fence behind it) Northern United scored a goal in each half, to win 2-0.

The Farts had their chances, and for most of the game actually started to look good with a lot more passing through the halves and inners than has been the case most of this season, but couldn't manage to score.

Phil had a great game in defence and driving forward, willy was solid up front and the newest Old Fart John also showed promise on the Right wing, not bad after not playing for 20 (mumble mumble something) years.

Here's what John had to say

First a big Thanks to Trapper, what an awesome guy the club has in him, hes so friendly, very organised and a fantastic umpire...........yeah right.

Thanks to you and the team for making me welcome on my return to the hockey field. I had fun in the atrocious conditions, lungs burning and all.  It's a shame my hammy gave out as I tried to keep up with the blistering pace of the game (that is, the scorching pace of Isaac and Willy)  and find that elusive northern goal that was tacking around in the southerly gale like an America's Cup yacht. Northern had some skilled players, and a bit of fitness too, but we were well in it with Farts defence doing a ton of resolute and determined work. 

I'm keen to play again. This weekend I'm away on a family trip -- just as well as my hammy needs time to heal -- but am a keen reserve or starter or whatever for the following weekend.  

My winger skills to work on

- pushing the ball through a swimming pool is a bad move, will try smacking it hard so it skims like a flat stone across calm water

- getting that centring pass away before being tackled

- positional awareness and adjusting to close marking, and lack of space and time

- rewinding the cassette tape to find some old classic skills from last century.

MVP
3- Big Phil - great defence
2- John -  awesome first game, we expect heaps now as he gets his touch
1 - Trapper - braved the weather to umpire

Special mention to the WAG's (Mrs Big Phil, Mrs Trapper, Ms Nuts and Mrs Dan to be) for coming and cheering on the team.